In this honest and engaging conversation, Dr. Shandra interviews Nurse Mikaela Ausbon-Harrison about her transformative journey into the nursing profession—covering every pivot, setback, and hard-won lesson along the way. Together, they explore Mikaela’s academic foundation and her original aspirations to become a veterinarian. You’ll hear the incredible story of how an unexpected "cow kick" and a series of evolving passions ultimately led her to trade animal science for the high-stakes world of human healthcare. These are the types of nurse survival stories that reveal the messy, non-linear reality of finding one's true calling.

Throughout the episode, Mikaela reflects on the very real challenges she faced on the front lines. She pulls back the curtain on demanding clinical rotations and the sheer adrenaline of overwhelming “Code Blue” moments, where textbook theory meets the raw pressure of life-and-death situations. The dialogue gets candid as Mikaela discusses the notorious “nurses eating their young” dynamic and how she navigated the imposter syndrome that often haunts new graduates. She shares exactly what kept her going when quitting seemed like the only logical option and reveals the stark differences between what is taught in the classroom versus the realities of the hospital floor.

A pivotal moment in the conversation occurs when Mikaela recounts her own life-threatening medical complications during pregnancy. This segment offers a rare and sobering perspective: a trained critical care nurse suddenly finding herself in the patient’s bed, fighting for her life. This experience fundamentally changed her approach to patient care and highlights the critical need for advocacy—even when the system feels overwhelming. The conversation rounds out with practical advice for new grads, "hot takes" on the current state of the nursing industry, and Mikaela’s proven tips for mastering the field.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Resilience is Built Step-by-Step: Progress comes not from perfection but persistence. Mikaela emphasizes the importance of perseverance, mantra-building (“I can do hard things!”), and giving yourself grace during tough clinical moments or when self-doubt creeps in.
2. Authenticity and Advocacy Matter: Whether in academics or healthcare, learning to confidently speak up for yourself—and for your patients—is essential. Mikaela encourages younger students to “say what you mean and mean what you say”—reminding listeners that strong self-advocacy can be life-saving.
3. Embrace Nonlinear Journeys: From shifting career paths to experiencing burnout, trauma, and change, Mikaela’s story is a testament to the value of flexibility. Sometimes, the ultimate “fit” is found through detours and hardships, and that’s an integral part of both personal and professional growth.

Highlights Include:

1. The unexpected detour from animal science to nursing
2. How work-life balance shaped career decisions
3. The harsh realities (and hidden blessings) of clinical rotations
4. Surviving—and growing from—a life-threatening postpartum experience
5. Honest reflections on toxic work cultures (and how to thrive despite them)
6. The pros and cons of travel nursing
7. “The Mikaela Method” for succeeding in nursing school

Other Episodes Featuring Nursing:

1. Nursing School Journey with Aryss Richardson
2. A Nurse Practitioner's Approach to Healthcare: Student Aryss Richardson Interviews Dr. Angela Allen-Washington

Listen in for:

Genuine wisdom, inspiring stories of perseverance, and practical survival tips for anyone considering or navigating the complex world of nursing.

“Mental Endurance” with Dr. Shandra & Dr. Dar

In this thoughtful and motivating episode, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the theme of mental endurance and what it truly takes to keep going on the academic journey—especially through the toughest moments. Sharing personal stories from their own educational paths, both speakers explore why having a meaningful “why” is crucial for sticking with your goals, how to stay focused when obstacles arise, and how the process of overcoming challenges is foundational to success.

Their honest discussion covers everything from emotional resilience and battling self-doubt, to practical tips like setting routines, building supportive communities, and the role of mentors. Both Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar candidly address family expectations, internal and external setbacks, and the power of perseverance when life doesn’t go as planned.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Define and Stay Focused on Your “Why”: Knowing your personal motivation for pursuing a degree is essential for mental endurance. When challenges arise, returning to your “why” can help you push through temporary setbacks and keep your eyes on your long-term goals.
2. Community & Mentorship Matter: Surrounding yourself with supportive peers, mentors, and positive influences—whether in-person or through books—creates an ecosystem that can help you weather difficulties, hold you accountable, and provide practical advice for your journey.
3. Endurance is Built Through Resistance: Every roadblock, big or small, is a chance to strengthen your resilience. Success isn’t about never facing obstacles; it’s about learning how to overcome them, seek help when necessary, and continue moving forward—one step at a time.

Tune in for stories of hope, real-world wisdom, and the belief that you can do hard things, even if it sometimes feels impossible in the moment.

Other Episodes with Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar:

• Discovering and Using Your Gifts and Talents in College
• Our Academic Story
• Inclusive Leadership for Students

In this episode of Academic Survival, Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar dive into the topic of discovering and using your gifts and talents—especially for students and young professionals. The conversation explores the differences between knowing, using, and figuring out your unique strengths. Drs. Dar and Shandra share personal stories about their journeys to recognizing their own abilities, emphasizing how belief and confidence play pivotal roles in unlocking one’s potential.

They discuss practical strategies for identifying gifts and talents, the importance of community feedback, and the value of putting your strengths to use in real-world settings. The episode breaks down the college journey year by year, providing actionable advice on how students can explore, develop, and maximize their talents for both personal fulfillment and professional growth.

Three Key Takeaways:

1. Belief Comes First: Recognizing your gifts and talents starts with believing that you have them. Avoiding comparison and deficit thinking is crucial—focus on what energizes you and what makes you unique.
2. Growth Is a Community Effort: Seeking honest feedback from friends, family, and peers can help you see your strengths more clearly. Your value is often best reflected in how others experience what you bring to a group or community.
3. Develop Over Time: Through each college year—exploring as a freshman, participating as a sophomore, leading as a junior, and mastering practical experiences as a senior—you build and refine your skills. Investing in your talent, skill, and spiritual gifts prepares you for a meaningful, impactful career and life.

Tune in for empowering insights, actionable advice, and inspiration to let your gifts and talents shine where you can truly thrive!

Other Episodes with Drs. Shandra and Dar:

• Our Academic Story
• Inclusive Leadership for Students

In this episode Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar come together to share their personal journeys from challenging beginnings to academic and professional success. They reflect on overcoming adversity, building resilience, and the importance of seeking and accepting help along the way. Both hosts discuss their struggles with confidence, academics, and family circumstances, as well as pivotal moments—like advocating for themselves and appreciating the support of mentors—that helped them navigate from high school through college and beyond. Their candid conversation offers relatable stories, practical advice, and inspiration for students at any stage of their academic journey, especially those who identify as first-generation or face their own obstacles.

Key Takeaways:

1. Your Background Doesn't Limit Your Potential: Both Dr. Shandra and Dr. Dar faced significant personal and academic challenges, but by seeking support and staying persistent, they achieved their goals. Where you start does not determine where you finish.

2. Advocacy and Community Matter: Speaking up for yourself and building a supportive community are crucial in overcoming barriers. Dr. Shandra’s experience with Upward Bound and Dr. Dar’s mentors highlight how outside help can make a huge difference.

3. Set Your Own Standards: The hosts challenge listeners to define their own goals rather than accept other people's low expectations. Whether it’s aiming for straight A’s or imagining a bigger future, specificity and belief are vital steps toward success.

Check-out an earlier episode with Dr. Dar here:

https://www.academicsurvival.com/inclusive-leadership-for-students/

Check-out an earlier episode with Dr. Shandra here:

https://www.academicsurvival.com/5-shandra-mcdonald-from-struggles-with-reading-to-supporting-college-students/

In this episode Aryss Richardson, a first-year nursing student, discusses her journey from premed aspirations to discovering her true calling in nursing. Aryss shares the pivotal moment that led her to change paths, a sermon that resonated with her deeply, and the successful entrance exam that confirmed her decision.

Aryss offers invaluable advice for future nursing students, stressing the importance of collaboration and mutual support over competitiveness. She reflects on her positive experience with classmates and the strength that comes from a supportive peer group. Aryss talks about her academic routine, the challenges of an accelerated BSN program, and her effective use of tools like NotebookLM and ChatGPT for studying.

The episode covers Aryss' personal motivations, including the tragic loss of her younger sister Autumn, which fuels her drive to excel in the medical field. Aryss speaks fondly of her mentors and the crucial role they played in her success, while also acknowledging the struggles of navigating college applications and financial aid without much guidance.

Listeners will gain insights into Aryss' strategies for time management, the importance of a positive support system, and practical tips for high school students preparing for college. Aryss and Shandra also share entertaining stories about college mishaps and discuss the transformative impact of AI tools in education.

Tune in to follow Aryss Richardson's promising journey through nursing school and gather practical tips for surviving and thriving in academia.

Check-out an earlier episode with Aryss here:

https://www.academicsurvival.com/Healthcare/

In this episode, Officer Jill sheds light on the critical topics of campus safety, law enforcement, and the enriching experience of attending an HBCU (Howard University).

Three Key Takeaways:

Know Your Rights and Stay Compliant:

Understanding what you should and should not do during interactions with law enforcement can help in maintaining personal safety and ensuring respectful communication.

Utilize Campus Resources:

Familiarize yourself with campus safety features and resources such as escorted walks and emergency buttons to stay safe, particularly at night.

Be Mindful Online:

Always verify the identity of people met online, keep personal information private, and avoid posting real-time updates of your activities on social media.

This episode of Academic Survival is packed with vital information for students, especially those navigating new environments. Don't miss out on the wisdom shared by Officer Jill and that can help enhance your safety and well-being both on and off campus.

Connect with me:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@AcademicSurvivalPodcast

Website: www.AcademicSurvival.com

Loved this episode? Leave a review and rating here: LINK

Additional Links from Episode:

YouTube: The Human Side with Officer Jill

Episode: From Critic to Cop - The Human Side with Officer Jill

Howard University

In this episode, Jonathan Jackson Williams, tackles the challenges and strategies tied to physical activity and recovery. He highlights the significance of listening to one's body and knowing when to take a break from gym routines. Jonathan, a kinesiology student at California State University, Dominguez Hills, emphasizes balancing fitness goals with self-care and underlines how consistency leads to fitness success.

Jonathan shares his journey, including his transfer from Mount San Antonio Community College to California State University, Dominguez Hills, attracted by the affordability, diversity, and the strong kinesiology program offered. As he describes, the kinesiology major equips students with knowledge in fitness, nutrition, physical therapy, and opens various career paths like gym ownership, personal training, and physical therapy.

The episode also delves into Jonathan's personal experience managing his auditory processing disorder, which affects his ability to quickly grasp and retain information. He explains how he leverages tools like audio recordings of lectures, tutors, and a life coach to overcome his academic challenges. Both hosts stress the importance of seeking help, utilizing available resources like office hours, and self-advocacy to succeed academically and personally.

To wrap up, Jonathan discusses his potential internship at a local gym and how technology, like fitness watches, plays a crucial role in tracking physical activity. We close-out this episode with by affirming the importance of rest and recovery as part of the fitness and wellness journey.

Three Key Takeaways:

🏋️ **Balancing Fitness and Self-Care:** It's crucial to listen to your body and allow for rest days to prevent overexertion and ensure sustainable progress.

🧠 **Utilizing Resources for Academic Success:** Taking advantage of resources like tutors, office hours, and assistive technologies can significantly enhance academic performance, especially for students with learning differences.

🌟 **Commitment to Consistency:** Small, consistent efforts in fitness and academics can lead to substantial long-term achievements.

Thank you for tuning in to this insightful episode of Academic Survival!

In this episode, I turn the mic over to Aryss Richardson, who is a high school senior simultaneously taking college courses. She aspires to be a nurse. I've arranged for her to interview the esteemed Dr. Angela Allen-Washington, a doctor of nursing practice with over 20 years of experience. I really wanted her to have the opportunity to interview someone in her career field of interest and was excited to make this happen.

The central theme of the episode revolved around nursing, healthcare, and the essential components of patient-provider relationships, providing valuable insights for those considering a career in nursing or healthcare industry. Here are the detailed show notes from the episode:

- Dr. Angela Allen-Washington emphasized the significance of collaborative care in addressing complex medical cases, showcasing an example of collaborating with a cardiologist to provide comprehensive care for a pediatric patient with a heart murmur. This underscores the importance of teamwork and effective communication in delivering holistic healthcare.

- The episode delved into the critical aspect of fostering trust with patients. Dr. Allen-Washington emphasized active listening, engaging with patient concerns, and involving them in shared decision-making to build strong, trusting relationships. This illuminates the essential role of empathy and patient-centered care in nursing and healthcare professions.

- The importance of staying abreast of healthcare advancements and the evolving industry landscape was highlighted. Dr. Allen-Washington shared her strategies, such as engaging in continuing education, joining professional organizations, and using diverse sources like articles, podcasts, journals, blogs, and social media to stay informed. This underscores the significance of lifelong learning and professional development in nursing and healthcare careers.

Key takeaways from the episode:

- Collaboration is vital in delivering comprehensive healthcare. 🤝

- Active listening and patient engagement are integral to building trusting patient-provider relationships. 🎧

- Continual knowledge acquisition and adaptability are essential for success in the evolving healthcare landscape. 📚